Cycling advocates are split over the effectiveness of new laws that have come into effect in New South Wales.
Cyclists are now required to carry ID – although this will not be enforced until 2017 – while fines for infringements such as failing to stop at red lights or pedestrian crossings have risen to up to $425.
A minimum one-metre clearance zone for motorists overtaking riders has also been introduced.
New South Wales police issued more than 450 infringement notices to cyclists, including for not having bells, in a one-day blitz in Sydney’s CBD last Thursday.
Advocates are split on the measures, with some raising broader concerns about NSW roads minister Duncan Gay’s apparent antipathy towards cyclists.
Gay has described himself as “the biggest bike-lane sceptic in the government” and described inner-city Sydneysiders as “anti-roads zealots”.
Bicycle Network chief executive Craig Richards has said the new laws are a barrier to bike riding, and questioned their effectiveness in increasing road safety.
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